This was argued about only a couple of weeks ago. Short story - it was an error in the original design that wasn't spotted in time. It does prevent shields from being attached the wrong way round though. There are a number of places to obtain offset headers that conform to normal spacing.

As an alternative, if you want to use standard proto/strip boards, with standard header pins/sockets,you can buy third party boards that have an additional set of holes.This gives you both the "Arduino" offsets as well as standard offsets if you solderin another header. The Seeeduino is an example of such a board:http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/seeeduino-v221-atmega-328p-p-669.html

The Arduino team rejected this idea as they claimed it ruined the beauty of the boardand that the board with its flaw represents the natural flaws in all things.

The Arduino team rejected this idea as they claimed it ruined the beauty of the boardand that the board with its flaw represents the natural flaws in all things.

LOL. Like the natural flaw in this line of reasoning.

Actually, it seems to be a philosophy which permeates their attempts at software engineering as well. Seriously, if there is any substance to this, it could explain quite a lot!

I think it is somewhat of a philosophy or at least a high level of tolerance/acceptance for such things.

One of several comments from Massimo on the subject:

Quote

Then I'm fond of the mistake... it makes it not perfect therefore more human... Yes...it could have been all perfectly optimised... but if engineers ran the world it would be an unbearable place where to live